Other than such brilliant luminaries as Syrian president Bashar al-Assad, Venezuelan leader Hugo Chávez, and North Korea’s new strongman, Kim Jong Un, few world leaders today would echo Davutoglu’s views.

But then again, as chief architect of Turkey’s “zero problems with neighbors” foreign policy, he also got Syria wrong. With his encouragement, and as a 2010 Congressional Research Service report documented, the Turkish government moved closer to Assad, conducting joint military exercises, lifting visa requirements, and creating a bilateral strategic council, led by its prime ministers.

Only after Assad brutalized protesters, killing, imprisoning, and torturing with abandon, did Turkey reverse course. That the Syrian leader’s true nature should never have been in doubt obviously escaped Davutoglu.

Pace Davutoglu, Iran is a serious threat – and getting more so.

It has declared a readiness to close the Strait of Hormuz, which, in 2011, accounted for an estimated 35 percent of oil worldwide transported by tankers, demanding the U.S. naval fleet not reenter the waterway.

It openly defies the UN Security Council, not to mention the International Atomic Energy Agency, with its nuclear program.

It menaces neighboring Arab countries, some of which have bluntly called for an iron-fist response to Iran’s belligerence.

It has been accused by the Obama administration of collaborating with Mexican drug cartels to plan the assassination of the Saudi ambassador in Washington.

It calls for a world without Israel.

Its defense minister is wanted by Argentine authorities, and the subject of an Interpol “red notice,” for his complicity in terrorist attacks in Buenos Aires that killed 115 people and injured hundreds.

It supports Assad’s crackdown in Syria that has resulted in well over 5,000 deaths to date, and arms Hezbollah, which undermines Lebanese sovereignty by creating a state within a state.

And it stomps on the rights of its own people, as evidenced by the massive repression of those challenging the rigged June 2009 elections.

Now imagine this regime with nuclear-weapons capability. And remember that the power of the bomb comes not just from its use, but also from its mere possession.

The looming question is what to do about the Iranian threat.

Well, it would be nice to think that talks could dissuade Tehran from moving ahead, and, yes, the door should always be ajar, but, frankly, a serious deal is hardly in the offing.

For one thing, negotiations have been tried before by the major countries, to no avail, while Iran has bought precious time for its nuclear program.

And for another, Iran has doubtless learned something from two countries in particular.

The first is North Korea.

Having the bomb and keeping everyone guessing about what it’s capable of doing has gained Pyongyang negotiating room. Despite critical statements from Western capitals, the fact is that everyone is tiptoeing, at times kowtowing, for fear that the North Koreans might actually unleash havoc against Japan, South Korea, or U.S. troops stationed in the area.

The lesson for Tehran? Having the bomb offers unique leverage and power.

The second is Libya.

If Muammar Gaddafi had not yielded to the Bush administration in 2003 and abandoned its nuclear program, he might still be in control today. Would NATO forces have attacked Libya in 2011 were he in possession of a fearsome retaliatory capacity? Doubtful.

The lesson for Tehran? Give up your nuclear program and you may end up like Gaddafi.

So what to do?

First, keep all options on the table – and mean it.

Iran must be convinced that when the U.S. and others say it, they’re not bluffing. Indeed, it’s the very possibility of conflict that may be the most effective recipe for avoiding it.

Second, continue to ratchet up the sanctions against Iran, especially where it hurts most – banking and energy. And keep pressing major nations like China, India, and Russia to exercise global responsibility by not undercutting the measures adopted by the U.S., Europe, Australia, Canada, Japan, and others.

Yes, we may feel some economic pinch as sanctions increase and energy prices temporarily rise, but if we’re not prepared to pay any price for stopping the Iranian bomb, how serious are we?

(Apropos, if the Iranian threat to close the Strait of Hormuz is not a wake-up call to Americans to get really serious – and fast – about our own energy security, what is?)

Meanwhile, the impact of existing sanctions is already being felt by the Iranian economy, as the precipitous drop in the value of the Iranian rial suggests.

Third, whoever is engaged in the stealth campaign to slow down the Iranian nuclear and ballistic missile programs, please don’t stop.

You have had some spectacular successes, and I’m sure we don’t know the half of it. Iran has had to deal with repeated mysterious industrial accidents, faulty equipment, disappearing scientists, and computer viruses. It has also had to shift more of its finite resources simply to protecting its assets, while some may be wondering if it’s worth the risk to life and limb to continue their nuclear work.

Fourth, let’s recall that the “Arab Spring” began in a non-Arab country, Iran, in 2009.

Though the regime may have suppressed popular protests, there remains widespread opposition to a government that has delivered little on the “promise” of the Iranian revolution.

Tapping into the regime’s lack of legitimacy should be an element in the effort to stop Iran in its tracks.

And fifth, turn Iran into a political pariah.

Its leaders shouldn’t have the luxury of traveling abroad so easily. Why aren’t more countries downgrading their diplomatic ties with Iran? Let’s shout from the rooftops those countries and companies continuing to conduct business as usual with Iran, exactly the kind of publicity they don’t want.

There may be no foolproof way of stopping Iran, but more can be done.

Surely history has taught us that when repressive regimes believe they have the tide of history, airtight ideology, and higher authority on their side, they shouldn’t be underestimated.

The opinions expressed in the comment section are the personal views of the commenters. Comments are moderated, so please keep it civil.

Visitor Comments: 16

(13)
Isaac B,
February 12, 2012 8:20 PM

Give Iran a timed ultimatum

We should have given Iran a timed ultimatum. Either you open all your nuclear facilities to international inspectors by March 10, 2012 or else. Stop believing that economical sanctions can work with repressive regimes. These regimes will starve and kill their people before giving up on their grandiose dreams of annihilation and dominance. Look at Hitler's Germany.

(12)
Truth,
January 26, 2012 3:39 PM

Iran Not qualifed at all

Iran is not at all qualifed or deserve to have Nuclear as their Intension is Already been declared to eliminate a Small soverigne peace loving country Isreal .Not only that to use as a power to the nebiouring countries Too , Means not all qualified to have .

(11)
Jared Morrell,
January 14, 2012 5:35 PM

Why is Israel afraid?

God has been with Israel from the beginning. God still is - history has proven this.

Pursuejustice,
February 13, 2012 9:49 PM

Israel fears not

Israel is not afraid but wisely on high alert when facing an avowed enemy capable of obtaining deadly weapons of mass destruction.

(10)
Wassim,
January 13, 2012 5:39 AM

buy USD, make some noise, cash out, then appear to come to your senses just in time to save the world from WWIII

Did you guys know that OPEC oil is exclusively traded in USD? That creates an artificially high value for that currency. All members of the "Axis of Evil" are countries that have expressed interest in using the Euro instead. There is a currency war going on between the Euro and the USD, and all the world is a stage and everyone has their part. Iran is a puppet, but it's not the only one. You should be very concerned with what the Chinese and the Europeans are upto. The Chinese are the ones playing chess, pitting the US and Europe against each other, with the rest of the world as dispensable pawns. The Chinese are playing chess, Merkel and Sarkozy are the major puppets here. Don't forget that Europe has it's fair share of antisemitism. I say to the bankers, cruch their credit a little more. Assassinate the Euro.

Wassim,
January 13, 2012 12:07 PM

I'm not crazy, I'm just inadequately informed

but I have to admit that the currency war explains a lot since Bush Snr's time.

Wassim,
January 13, 2012 12:19 PM

Apparently it has a name

"PetroDollar Warfare"

(9)
Izzy,
January 13, 2012 1:16 AM

Pathetic!

Ridiculous! This is exactly why Iran is not afraid to seek the bomb - because all it sees is people like this author talking and talking.... What we need to do is stop talking about giving pressure, rather we should attack them already!
Ridiculous! Shame to aish for posting suicidal essays.

(8)
Abraham L. Seiman,
January 12, 2012 10:41 PM

America has never been afraid to push back against threats. The current problem is that we seem afraid to support our words with threats, e.g. loss of foreign aid, boycott all trades with those countries and pressure the U.N. to take its place in the solutions or disband. THEN, we must show that we mean business.

(7)
Message on a Necklace,
January 12, 2012 2:18 AM

We HAVE TO act!!!

Israel cannot live under the threat of a nuclear bomb. People didn't believe Hitler when he said he was going to annihilate the Jews. We all know what happened there. We need to learn from history and strike early before its too late. We have to act while we still have the upper hand militarily. Forget criticism by the rest of the world. We need to defend ourselves. Its better unpopular rather than dead!

(6)
stan D.,
January 11, 2012 6:25 PM

remind Iran what happened to Egypt when they tried to block Israel from using a waterway in 1967.

IT SEEMS THAT HISTORY CAN TEACH US VALUABLE LESSONS. BLOCKING A VITAL PATHWAY FOR NATIONS ESSENTIAL MATERIALS HAS NEVER BEEN A GOOD IDEA.

(5)
Howie Subnick,
January 11, 2012 6:20 AM

Over in 2 Seconds

This all can come to a head with a .50 cal. at 1,000 yards. Yes, you're going to say someone else will step up. And again you will repeat the same thing. There may not be a third taker for the position. They made be dumb but not entirely stupid.

(4)
David Merrill,
January 10, 2012 11:06 PM

Delivering Iran for China

Since early 2009 I have been watching NATO surround Iran (Iraq and Pakistan) for delivery to China in order to pay off GREENSPAN's "account deficit". My theory began in Waziristan, northwest Pakistan with NATO troops abandoning their border posts instead of being the "anvil of the attack" when Pakistan attacked Al Qaida soldiers, driving them into Afghanistan. As NATO pulls out of Afghanistan China is contracting for oil and other mineral rights, moving that much closer to collecting by getting the lion's share of Iranian trade.

(3)
Anonymous,
January 10, 2012 9:15 PM

Pathetic. Harris should spell out his point: Don't attack Iran.

Dear Mr. David Equivocation I'll do anything to stand for nothing Harris -
There is a foolproof way of stopping Iran: A United States attack on its nuclear assets now. A simultaneous attack on many of its other military facilities may also be required. Iran is not convinced of the possibility of a pre-emptive attack precisely because even Jewish "leaders" like yourself do not see it as a viable option. This piece is exhibit A of the elliptical thinking so prevalent out there on this issue. Do you really think readers are so stupid as to not see your talking from both sides of your mouth? After all your hard work and experience, it's pathetic.

(2)
Everette Pettus,
January 10, 2012 8:24 PM

Get ready USA

Iran is one of the middle east countries that will blow smoke until there is a confrontation , The US had better get ready for this Iran is one not to be played with. They are sneaky and vindictive against the US. The US needs to be strong and show that we mean business to protect our oil and be sure that Iran dose not break any treaty in the middle east .

(1)
richard,
January 10, 2012 7:49 PM

And where are OUR prayers?

Maybe it's about time that WE ALL WOKE UP and realised that the modern day Pharoahs and Hamans are merely tools in the hands of The Almighty. When we realise this, we can do something about the situation with correction of some of our silly actions, (teshuva) and prayer for EVERYONE'S welfare (Tefila). This is the time-proven method for improvement so let's not miss this chance. At least we have been warned and YES, we can ALL DO SOMETHING. On Rosh Hashana we all said Teshuva Tefila and Tzedoko remove the evil decree. LET'S MOVE and with G-d's help see His salvation soon.

Since honey is produced by bees, and bees are not a kosher species, how can honey be kosher?

The Aish Rabbi Replies:

The Talmud (Bechoros 7b) asks your very question! The Talmud bases this question on the principle that “whatever comes from a non-kosher species is non-kosher, and that which comes from something kosher is kosher.”

So why is bee-honey kosher? Because even though bees bring the nectar into their bodies, the resultant honey is not a 'product' of their bodies. It is stored and broken down in their bodies, but not produced there. (see Shulchan Aruch Y.D. 81:8)

By the way, the Torah (in several places such as Exodus 13:5) praises the Land of Israel as "flowing with milk and honey." But it may surprise you to know that the honey mentioned in the verse is actually referring to date and fig honey (see Rashi there)!

In 1809, a group of 70 disciples of the great Lithuanian sage the Vilna Gaon, arrived in Israel, after traveling via Turkey by horse and wagon. The Vilna Gaon set out for the Holy Land in 1783, but for unknown reasons did not attain his goal. However he inspired his disciples to make the move, and they became pioneers of modern settlement in Israel. (A large contingent of chassidic Jews arrived in Tzfat around the same time.) The leader of the 1809 group, Rabbi Israel of Shklov, settled in Tzfat, and six years later moved to Jerusalem where he founded the modern Ashkenazic community. The early years were fraught with Arab attacks, earthquakes, and a cholera epidemic. Rabbi Israel authored, Pe'at Hashulchan, a digest of the Jewish agricultural laws relating to the Land of Israel. (He had to rewrite the book after the first manuscript was destroyed in a fire.) The location of his grave remained unknown until it was discovered in Tiberias, 125 years after his death. Today, the descendants of that original group are amongst the most prominent families in Jerusalem.

When you experience joy, you feel good because your magnificent brain produces hormones called endorphins. These self-produced chemicals give you happy and joyful feelings.

Research on these biochemicals has proven that the brain-produced hormones enter your blood stream even if you just act joyful, not only when you really are happy. Although the joyful experience is totally imaginary and you know that it didn’t actually happen, when you speak and act as if that imaginary experience did happen, you get a dose of endorphins.

These chemicals are naturally produced by your brain. They are totally free and entirely healthy.

Many people find that this knowledge inspires them to create more joyful moments. It’s not just an abstract idea, but a physical reality.

Occasionally, when I walk into an office, the receptionist greets me rudely. Granted, I came to see someone else, and a receptionist's disposition is immaterial to me. Yet, an unpleasant reception may cast a pall.

A smile costs nothing. Greeting someone with a smile even when one does not feel like smiling is not duplicity. It is simply providing a pleasant atmosphere, such as we might do with flowers or attractive pictures.

As a rule, "How are you?" is not a question to which we expect an answer. However, when someone with whom I have some kind of relationship poses this question, I may respond, "Not all that great. Would you like to listen?" We may then spend a few minutes, in which I unburden myself and invariably begin to feel better. This favor is usually reciprocated, and we are both thus beneficiaries of free psychotherapy.

This, too, complies with the Talmudic requirement to greet a person in a pleasant manner. An exchange of feelings that can alleviate someone's emotional stress is even more pleasant than an exchange of smiles.

It takes so little effort to be a real mentsch.

Today I shall...

try to greet everyone in a pleasant manner, and where appropriate offer a listening ear.

With stories and insights,
Rabbi Twerski's new book Twerski on Machzor makes Rosh Hashanah prayers more meaningful. Click here to order...